From today's featured article

The wolf (Canis lupus) is a large canine native to Eurasia and North America. It is the largest extant member of Canidae, males averaging 40 kg (88 lb) and females 37 kg (82 lb). Wolves measure 105–160 cm (41–63 in) in length and 80–85 cm (31–33 in) at shoulder height. Compared to coyotes and jackals, wolves have more pointed ears and muzzles, as well as shorter torsos and longer tails. The fur of a wolf is usually mottled white, brown, gray, and black. Up to 38 subspecies have been recognized, including the domestic dog. Wolves live in nuclear families consisting of a mated pair accompanied by their offspring. Fights over territory are among the principal causes of mortality. The wolf is mainly a carnivore and feeds primarily on large wild hooved mammals, though it also eats smaller animals, livestock, carrion, and garbage. Most recorded wolf attacks on people have been attributed to rabies. They have been both respected and feared in human societies. (Full article...)

Today's featured picture

Echo and Narcissus is an oil-on-canvas painting by English painter John William Waterhouse, dating from 1903, illustrating the myth of Echo and Narcissus from Ovid's Metamorphoses. The nymph Echo was unable to speak except to repeat the last sentence she had heard. She became infatuated with Narcissus, but he spurned her, instead falling in love with his own reflection in a pool. He continued to gaze at his reflection until he faded away, and a narcissus flower grew on the spot where he died. Echo also pined away, until only her voice remained. Exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1903, the painting was purchased by the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, where it now hangs.